ABSTRACT
Objective To observe the effects of endovascular radiation (ER) on the proliferation and apoptosis of medial smooth muscle cells (SMC) and to discuss the possible mechanisms of radiation in the prevention of vascular restenosis (RS) in rabbits after carotid endarterectomy (CEA).Methods Forty rabbits undergoing CEA were randomly divided into four groups (each group=10) and given a radiation dose of 0, 10, 20 and 40 Gy 32 P respectively. Rabbits were killed on the 3rd, 7th, 14th, 28th and 56th day after operation. The specimens were collected and histopathologic examinations were done.Results Proliferation apparently occurred in the intima and media of carotid the lumen became narrow in the control group on the 14 th, 28 th and 56 th day after operation. While in the radiation groups, proliferation was apparently suppressed and the lumen was much less narrowed ( P